Spotlight: Kidcreate Studios Promotes Art Education for Young Children

For parents who want to encourage a love of art for their kids, the art programs at most schools might not be enough. But that’s where businesses like Kidcreate Studios[1] come in.

The business was born out of a desire to provide more art education and programs for kids. You can read more about the company and its story below in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.

What the Business Does

Provides art education for kids in a fun way.

Founder Lara Olson told Small Business Trends, “Kidcreate Studios specializes in children’s art classes, camps and art-themed birthday parties for children ages 18 months to 12 years. Classes are provided both in-studio and On-The-Go, where kids can learn about art techniques, concepts, as well as art history. Each location also sells educational products including art kits, books and supplies.”

Business Niche

Offering different options.

Olson says, “Kidcreate Studio is different from any competitors in that they are the only concept that has both in-studio and On-The-Go classes.”

How the Business Got Started

Because of a frustration with art education.

Olson says, “After being discouraged by my son Jake’s lack of art education in school, I was inspired to start Kidcreate Studio. Jake was very frustrated in most of his classes but found joy and solace in art. I could relate to this feeling, as I felt the same way when I was Jake’s age. Since Jake did not have nearly enough time every week doing what he loved, I decided to create a place where kids could experience art enrichment outside of school. We opened our first location in Eden Prairie in 2008.”

Biggest Win

Simplifying the business with technology.

Olson explains, “I was able to develop a seamless integration of multiple technology-based systems that simplified the running of the studios. I focused on things like a class-tracking application, online class registration software, in-studio class registration stations, database management software, and sales and marketing automation.”

Biggest Risk

Starting the business in the first place.

Olson says, “I had no experience doing anything remotely like running an art studio or developing curriculum. If things had gone badly it would have been a painful blow and would have set my family back financially. Luckily, the business has been a success, and is growing quickly since we are now offering franchise opportunities.”

Lesson Learned

Get help you can trust.

Olson says, “As do many first-time entrepreneurs, I thought that I had to do everything myself. I thought that no one could or would do as good of a job as me. Thankfully I have hired a great team I can now delegate to, and trust with whatever task may come their way.”

How They’d Spend an Extra $100,000

Growing the team.

Olson says, “With the rapid growth we are experiencing in the near future, I want to be sure I stay ahead of our staffing needs.”

Studio Pets

Parakeets.

Olson explains, “Each of our studios have pet parakeets that the kids can visit with! Their names are Arty and Crafty. The kids love it and the parakeets provide some lovely background music.”

Favorite Quote

“Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
-Pablo Picasso